Irresistible Apple Pie Bombs a la Mode: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Guide
As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, there’s an undeniable craving for the comforting flavors of fall. And what could be more quintessential than the warm, inviting aroma of apples and cinnamon? We believe it’s officially autumn once you’ve indulged in our delightful Apple Pie Bombs a la Mode, featuring creamy vanilla ice cream cascading over perfectly glazed, cinnamon-spiced apple-filled dough. These bite-sized wonders are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the season, a true testament to the joy that fall dessert recipes bring.
Imagine a crisp, golden-brown shell, bursting with tender, sweet apples and a hint of warm spice, all topped with a generous scoop of rich, melting vanilla ice cream. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy autumn evening. This recipe, inspired by a delightful creation for Pillsbury, has quickly become a cherished favorite, and we’re thrilled to share it so you can experience this homemade happiness too.
The Secret to Perfect Apple Pie Bombs: Choosing the Right Apples
The foundation of any great apple dessert lies in the apples themselves. For baking, the best apples are those that maintain their structure and flavor under heat. You want chunks of fruit that remain distinct and tender, not a bland, watery mush. This structural integrity ensures that each bite of your apple pie bomb offers a satisfying apple experience.
Our go-to apple for baking is typically the Granny Smith, celebrated for its tartness and firm texture that holds up beautifully in the oven or fryer. However, the world of baking apples is vast and wonderful! Six other fantastic varieties that bake exceptionally well include: Jonagold, known for its honey-sweet flavor with a hint of tartness; Honeycrisp, offering a satisfying crunch and balanced sweetness; Braeburn, which presents a rich, aromatic flavor; Mutsu (Crispin), a large, crisp apple with a sweet-tart profile; Winesap, a classic with a spicy, cider-like taste; and the ever-popular Pink Lady, cherished for its vibrant sweetness and firm flesh. Experiment with these varieties to find your personal favorite for these incredible apple pie bombs.
Crafting Your Apple Pie Bombs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these heavenly apple pie bombs is surprisingly simple, making them a perfect project for any home cook, regardless of experience. The key is to start with a flavorful apple filling and enclose it in a ready-made biscuit dough for ultimate convenience and deliciousness. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum enjoyment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 Apples, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces (Granny Smith or your favorite baking apple recommended)
- 2 Tablespoons Butter (unsalted is preferred, but salted works too)
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar (light or dark, depending on desired molasses flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (ground, for that quintessential apple pie spice)
- 1 Can Biscuits (flaky or jumbo varieties work best, each circle pressed out and cut into 4 pieces)
- Oil for Frying (Canola or Peanut oil are ideal, see below for details)
- Cinnamon Sugar (for coating the warm bombs)
- Vanilla Ice Cream (for serving a la mode!)
Easy-to-Follow Instructions
- Begin by preparing your frying station. Heat a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, filled about 1/3 full with your chosen frying oil, over medium heat. You want the oil to reach approximately 350-375°F (175-190°C) for optimal frying.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped apples, butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Microwave this mixture for 30 seconds.
- Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the apples are evenly coated with the buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture. Microwave again for another 30 seconds, or until the apple pieces are slightly softened but still hold their shape (tender-crisp).
- Take your canned biscuits and flatten each individual biscuit circle slightly. Cut each flattened biscuit into four equal pieces.
- Using a small spoon, carefully scoop one apple piece along with a little of the delicious apple sauce onto the center of each flattened biscuit piece.
- Gently pinch all the edges of the biscuit dough together around the apple filling, forming a small, sealed “bomb.” Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from escaping during frying. Set aside and repeat this process with the remaining apple mixture and biscuit pieces.
- Carefully place 3-4 apple pie bombs into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy bombs.
- Fry the apple pie bombs, turning them occasionally with tongs, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side, or 5 minutes total.
- Once golden, remove the fried apple pie bombs from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough until all the bombs are cooked.
- In a separate shallow bowl, prepare your cinnamon sugar mixture. While the apple pie bombs are still warm, toss each one generously in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. Pile them high on a large serving plate.
- For the ultimate indulgence, top your warm apple pie bombs with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. If you have any leftover apple pieces from the filling, chop them finely and sprinkle them over the ice cream for an extra touch of flavor and garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storage and Longevity: Keeping Your Apple Pie Bombs Fresh
While these apple pie bombs are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can certainly prepare them ahead of time or save leftovers. If you have any remaining bombs after serving, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, store them covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to two days. This method keeps them fresh enough for a quick snack or a last-minute dessert.
For extended freshness, these delightful treats can be stored in the refrigerator for an additional two to three days, bringing their total shelf life to up to five days. When reheating, a quick burst in the microwave or a few minutes in a toaster oven can bring back some of their original warmth and texture. Avoid prolonged refrigeration if you want to retain the crispiest exterior. Freezing is also an option for longer storage; simply allow them to thaw and then reheat gently.
Deep Frying Demystified: The Best Oils and Techniques
Deep frying can seem intimidating, but with the right oil and a few simple techniques, you can achieve perfectly crispy results every time. When it comes to deep frying, the most crucial factor is using an oil with a high smoke point. This means the oil can reach and maintain the necessary high temperatures without breaking down, smoking, and imparting an unpleasant flavor to your food.
For these apple pie bombs, Canola oil and peanut oil are highly recommended. Both have excellent high smoke points, making them ideal for frying. Other good options include vegetable oil or sunflower oil. Always ensure your oil is clean and fresh for the best taste. To achieve a perfectly golden and crispy exterior, maintain an oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C). A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this dramatically lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy, soggy bombs instead of crispy ones. Fry in small batches and allow the oil to return to temperature between batches. Proper deep frying is all about temperature control!
Why You’ll Adore These Fried Apple Delights
There’s something uniquely satisfying about these apple pie bombs. Perhaps it’s the warm, spiced apple filling contrasted with cool, creamy vanilla ice cream, or the delightful crunch of the fried dough. These treats embody comfort and indulgence, making them ideal for a family dessert or a special occasion. We’ve found them to be such a hit that even our significant others are happy to offer up a little appreciation (in our case, a foot massage!). It even sparked a fun debate about the best type of vanilla ice cream – French, slow-churned, custard, or homestyle? The answer, of course, is whatever pairs perfectly with these incredible apple pie bombs!
Beyond Bombs: More Easy Apple Desserts to Savor
If these apple pie bombs have ignited your passion for fall’s favorite fruit, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other easy and delicious apple dessert recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From cakes to crisps, there’s an apple creation for every craving:
- Apple Cake with Caramel Frosting
- Apple Brown Betty
- Easy Apple Dumplings with Sprite
- Apple Pie Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
- Mini Dutch Apple Cheesecakes
- Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Caramel Apple Sweet Rolls
- Apple Pie Pull-Apart Bread
- Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce
- Best Apple Crisp
- Apple Cider Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting
- Apple Pie Fried Ice Cream
Fall Adventures: Discovering Local Family Fun
While we’re talking about all things fall, let’s dive into another incredible autumnal discovery: Cornbelly’s! For years, we’ve heard the buzz about this fantastic fall attraction in Lehi, near Thanksgiving Point. Despite living close by, we hadn’t experienced its magic firsthand. However, a recent opportunity to take a helicopter tour over the area before the workday even began changed everything. Seeing Cornbelly’s from above, with its sprawling corn maze and vibrant attractions, truly opened our eyes. Guys, it’s absolutely awesome!
Our little one had an absolute blast meeting the beloved characters like the Tin Man and Dorothy, bringing a touch of Oz to our fall adventure. And trust us, there’s a fantastic event being planned in the coming weeks that you will definitely want to be a part of, so stay tuned for more details! In the meantime, mark your calendars because this is a destination worth prioritizing this autumn.
What impressed us most was how meticulously clean and well-kept everything was. Beyond that, the sheer variety and quality of fun activities were outstanding. Remember that enormous yellow blob in the aerial photos? That’s an actual jumping feature, an inflatable wonderland where kids can bounce to their heart’s content! And to the right, you might have spotted the colossal rocking chair, perfect for a quirky family photo op or just a moment of whimsical relaxation. Every corner of Cornbelly’s is designed for joy and discovery.
And the corn maze? Absolutely amazing! It’s expertly designed, offering both a challenge and a fantastic experience. How Brett, the founder, manages to create such an incredible, immersive environment year after year is truly inspiring. We cannot wait to return with our entire family to explore every nook and cranny. If you happen to spot us there, please don’t hesitate to say hello! Cornbelly’s is more than just a farm; it’s a treasured fall tradition waiting to be made.
Explore More Fall Favorites: Deep Fried Peaches and Ice Cream
If the idea of fried fruit and ice cream has captured your heart, you absolutely must try our recipe for Deep Fried Peaches and Ice Cream. It offers a delightful twist on this comforting classic, bringing the sweet, juicy flavors of peaches to the forefront. It’s another perfect way to celebrate the harvest season with a warm, indulgent dessert.
